Empowering Women Leadership In The Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector

COVID-19 has magnified systemic issues and longstanding inequalities, and the Government of Canada is working hard to provide equal opportunities for all Canadians

Today, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, held a virtual roundtable discussion with women entrepreneurs from across Canada’s agricultural food chain, focussing on the opportunities and challenges that exist for them in the agriculture and agri-food sector.

“Women play a vital role in growing the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector. Over the past several decades, the proportion of female farm operators has continued to increase,” Bibeau stated. “While this progress is positive, women remain underrepresented in the sector and continue to face significant barriers.”

During the roundtable, Minister Bibeau announced that Farm Credit Canada’s Women Entrepreneur Program has already helped 1,391 women with loans under this program, totalling more than $994.5 million. This is already nearly double the $500-million amount initially announced in March of 2019 for this three-year program, demonstrating the entrepreneurial spirit of hundreds of women in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.

“Government is taking steps to promote and empower women entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector through various initiatives”

 

This program is part of the federal Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, a $5-billion investment. In agriculture, there are over 75,000 female farm operators, representing some 28.7% of all farm operators in Canada – a number which continues to modestly increase. The Women Entrepreneurship Program is expected to increase this proportion.

“This program is a perfect example of the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy in action,” added Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade. “Our Government will continue to help women-owned businesses grow and succeed in every sector of Canada’s economy, and agriculture is no exception. We encourage women entrepreneurs to capitalize on the opportunities that will come with our increased support.”

During the roundtable, Minister Bibeau, in her capacity as the first-ever female Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, highlighted her personal commitment towards greater inclusion of women in the agriculture and agri-food sector. She stressed the need to overcome barriers to equality that research shows include: work-life balance, skills training, networking and mentorship, access to information management, and financial barriers.

“FCC is proud to contribute to the success of women entrepreneurs who want to become more deeply involved in the agriculture and agri-food industry,” Michael Hoffort, Farm Credit Canada President and CEO, said. “The response to our lending and learning programs – specifically tailored to the individual needs of women entrepreneurs – has been tremendous and will undoubtedly contribute to a stronger and more diversified industry.”

The Women Entrepreneurship program provides women with access to capital needed to launch or grow their business, along with tools, resources and mentorship.

“That is why the Government is taking steps to promote and empower women entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector through various initiatives, and through conversations like those held during today’s roundtable to better understand and help address the obstacles they face,” Bibeau said. “I am confident that together we can build on the progress made and strengthen and diversify our entire agricultural sector.”